Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander General Ignacio Maulana has appealed to President Peter Mutharika to help the Army address its many problems.

President Peter Mutharika receives a gift of Pump gun from General Ignacio Maulana Commander of MDF at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe-Pic. by Abel Ikiloni

Kamuzu Barracks visit: Malawi President Mutharika and his deputy Saulos Chilima with First Lady

General Maulana said on Thursday when Mutharika toured Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe where he held a closed-door meeting with senior officers for about 40 minutes before touring the clinic and corporals’ mess

The soldiers in a circulating mail are asking government to increase their allowance, improve their accommodation and transport facilities and enhance their promotion system and pensions.

Nyasa Times also understands that some soldiers were demanding for their allowances for taking part in the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping mission.

Maulana, however, did not mention the ‘many problems’ which he was referring to in his statement.

In his address, Mutharika who is also Commander-In-Chief of the MDF commended the military for its peace keeping missions and assured “Government’s continued support in ensuring the improved welfare of our men, and women in uniform.”

The President said government has completed the road construction and maintenance works at Changalume Barracks in Zomba.

“I am also pleased to mention that Changalume Barracks is currently being connected to Southern Region Water Board Water Supply network easing the Water Challenges it was experiencing,” he said.

Mutharika also said members of the force should observe the highest standards of discipline in order to portray the Malawi army in good light.

He said discipline is the cornerstone and backbone of any military organisation.

“I would like to urge all members of the Malawi Defence Force to remain disciplined and professional as they have always done. You have done us proud. And let me take this opportunity to thank spouses of our men and women in uniform for the support you offer to them on a daily basis,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika also commended the MDF for the role it plays in the country such as building bridges in times of disaster, distribution of national examinations papers nationwide and protection of forest reserves such as Dzalanyama and Thuma from people who illegally cut down trees.

He also pointed out that MDF played a “heroic role” when Malawi faced its worse disaster during the recent floods.

“The rescue operations MDF carried during this period cannot go without acknowledgement,” said the MDF Commander-In-Chief.

The military handed President Mutharika a gift of an eight millimetre shot gun “strictly for hunting.”

Mutharika said he would indeed use it for hunting, he joked that he can only pull the trigger only if someone annoyed him.

“On a more serious note ,I thank you for this gun which I shall use with the hunting skills I acquired a long time ago when I used to go hunting with my uncle who also had a gun,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika donated K5 million (US$11 111) to the soldiers’ wives towards building a nursery school within the barracks and also donated K10 million (US$22 222) towards a junior officers fund where officers access loans.

The soldiers barred ruling DPP members who wore party memorabilia at the barracks.

The choice of a gun as a gift to a president in a democratic state is alarming. Is the president to use the gun in “hunting” the opposition? And Mr. President the “joke” of pulling the trigger when someone annoys you is bad. A gun owner must really exercise self restraint when in anger and not be trigger happy.

Peacekeeping Means Establishing Peace For Civilians To The Countries Where Battle Is Currentry Occuring.So Try To Visit Some Countries Where War And torturing Is Currently Happening To People Than Just Wasting Time And Money Going To DRC Where War Ended Long Time Ago. There Is Peace Throughout The Country Like In Malawi.

What is so difficult to say that the president went to the barracks to buy a riffle at a value of K15m? My advice to Peter is that please stop donating your pocket money to soldiers rather start funding the institution properly. Keep your personal money for your own use.